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News from Kennedy | Spring Edition 2026
Message from the Principal
Welcome to our Semester Newsletter
2026 has been an impressive year for the College. Together, we have achieved NAPLAN results well above the state and national average; we have improved our campus with the opening of an award-winning Study Centre and the building of additional office spaces and car parks and we have heightened our already excellent focus on Pastoral Care by reviewing and redeveloping our program.
As with the construction work that has been going on at Kennedy Baptist College, the creation of an effective program takes time, and it has taken about 18 months of concentrated work by our Pastoral Team to finalise and embed a refreshed Pastoral Care Program. This program is intended to help students thrive socially, emotionally and spiritually, in part by creating a strong narrative thread for students and families from Year 7 through to Year 12 and helping students to find areas of growth beyond academic success.
In one sense, our program is designed to help answer the question many parents have when considering a future school: “What kind of person will my child become here?”
Whether you are with us on this journey or have yet to begin it, the stories in this newsletter will show how Kennedy Baptist College is helping students grow into people of character who are confident, compassionate, resilient, and guided by strong values.
Mark Ashby
Principal
Campus News
2026 NAPLAN Results
Our College students have once again produced year group results well above the state and national means. Importantly, we also saw gains among students from Year 7 to Year 9, indicating that Kennedy's academic program helps students improve, no matter their starting point. While our students made gains in achievement above the national mean, the greatest advances were in grammar and writing.
More than Books
"Reading changes outcomes" was one of the key points that Kennedy Baptist College’s Head of Research and Study Centre, Ms Natasha Georgiou made when she appeared on a Channel Nine news story alongside acclaimed children’s author Andy Griffiths. Representing the Western Australian School Library Association (WASLA), where she serves as President, Ms Georgiou spoke about the crucial impact that investment in a school’s library has on student success.
MBA Excellence in Construction Awards
We are proud to share that the Stage 2 development at Kennedy Baptist College has been recognised at the 2026 MBA Excellence in Construction Awards, receiving the Educational Facility Under $5 Million award.
This achievement reflects the vision, collaboration, and dedication of everyone involved in creating outstanding learning spaces for our students and community. We are grateful to the many staff members, contractors and stakeholders whose expertise has helped to bring this project to life.
This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of Kennedy's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality facilities that support teaching, learning and student wellbeing.
Year 7 to 12 Pastoral Care Journey: Introducing Kennedy Baptist College's Renewed Pastoral Care Framework
How do we intentionally support students from Year 7 through to Year 12? Our newly refreshed Pastoral Care Journey provides a clear, biblically grounded framework that guides every student's growth in faith, respect and culture. Discover how this renewed approach is helping students thrive at Kennedy Baptist College.
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
At Kennedy, students are encouraged to explore their passions, challenge themselves, and celebrate their strengths. They participate in a variety of activities, including Write a Book in a Day, Public Speaking, Pedal Prix, Basketball, Cricket, Athletics, community service, mission trips to Cambodia, and educational trips to Sydney and Canberra. These opportunities inspire growth, achievement, and connection among students. Here are just a few recent highlights from across the College.
Kennedy Claims Third Place at ACC ‘C’ Division Athletics Carnival
Kennedy Baptist College’s Interschool athletics team produced an outstanding performance at the 2026 Associated & Catholic Colleges of WA (ACC) ‘C’ Division Athletics Carnival, finishing third overall at the WA Athletics Stadium on Tuesday 15 September. This was particularly impressive, as we were only promoted into the division this year.
Gearing up for H2GP
A dedicated team of Kennedy girls is preparing for the upcoming H2GP competition, where students design, build and race hydrogen-powered model cars.
Combining science, engineering and teamwork, the program challenges students to apply their STEM skills in a real-world setting as they test, refine and optimise their vehicles. As race day approaches, the team is working hard behind the scenes and looks forward to representing Kennedy at this exciting event.
We wish them every success as they take on this innovative challenge.
Pedal Prix Success in Busselton
The Kennedy Racing Team wrapped up the 2026 Pedal Prix season with strong performances in Busselton. Team Yellow claimed 2nd overall in the S2 category and finished as the highest-placed all-girls team, while our boys' teams placed 3rd and 7th. Team Blue also raced strongly, finishing 10th in a competitive field.
Across the day, our riders demonstrated outstanding teamwork, resilience and determination. Thank you to the families and supporters who encouraged the team throughout the season. We look forward to an even bigger 2027.
Year 7 Cricket Champions
Our Year 7 Specialist Cricket team has been crowned champions for the second year running after an outstanding campaign at the Seamers Indoor Cricket Centre.
After finishing the regular season on top of the ladder with 10 wins from 11 matches, the team won both finals, including a Grand Final victory over Kent Street Senior High School. Along the way, they demonstrated excellent skill, composure and sportsmanship, representing Kennedy with pride throughout the competition.
Serving beyond the Classroom
At Kennedy, community outreach is a key part of student life, helping students develop empathy, build meaningful connections and make a positive impact.
Through local and global service opportunities, students put their faith into action while gaining a deeper understanding of others' needs. From supporting community organisations and fundraising for worthy causes to participating in mission and study tours, these experiences broaden horizons and nurture a heart for service.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
State Conference
Before the beginning of Term 2, the College were proud to host the Christian Schools Australia (CSA) WA State Conference, welcoming staff from member schools across the region for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and fellowship.
The conference offered educators opportunities to connect, exchange best practices, and draw inspiration from Christian education. It was a valuable, uplifting experience that equipped staff with fresh ideas, practical tools and renewed enthusiasm for serving students and families. Together, we considered practical approaches to building school communities where joy is woven into every interaction, celebration and act of service. We're sure the lessons learnt at this conference are already being felt across CSA members.
Community Events
Ticket Release from December
We are proud to present the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for 2027. Join Charlie Bucket on a magical adventure through Willy Wonka's extraordinary factory, packed with imagination, laughter and surprises for all ages.
🎟️ Don't miss this spectacular production. Tickets on sale from December!
One magical story. Two incredible casts. Follow our social channels as we reveal the talented students bringing Wonka's world to life, one cast introduction at a time.
Kennedy Insights Parent Seminar
Join us for an inspiring Kennedy Insights evening with Jade Lewis, author and speaker of Under Your Influence. In this engaging session, parents will gain practical, evidence-based strategies to help teenagers navigate today's social challenges and build resilience. We warmly invite all parents, whether their child is enrolled at Kennedy or not, to come along, connect with fellow families, and join this important conversation about supporting the wellbeing of our young people.
One exciting addition this term is our new Pop-Up Café, now open from 7.30am for parents, staff and visitors. Convenient parking is available near the Auditorium drop-off area, making it easy to stop by for a morning coffee. As College events may occasionally affect trading days, please look out for the Café Open sign.
Spotlight on Our Community: Celebrating Alumni, Staff and Students
Left to right: Mrs Sarah McCarthy (Counsellor), Mr Samuel Ridyard (Psychologist), Ms Emily Jenner (Counsellor)
Not in the photo: Mrs Zeljana Stronach (Counsellor)
Left to right: Mrs Suzanne Warwick (Chaplain), Mr Andrew Dunn (Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care), Mr Peter Chase (Chaplain)
Not in the photo: Mrs Christine Crump (Director of Students)
Meet the Team Supporting Student Wellbeing
We are delighted to welcome our Pastoral Care Team back to their home in the Health Centre, making it even easier for students and families to access support when they need it.
From our Counsellors and Psychologist to our Chaplains, this dedicated team walks alongside students through every stage of their Kennedy journey. Whether offering a listening ear, practical guidance, wellbeing support or spiritual encouragement, they play an important role in helping every student feel known, valued and cared for.
In this edition, we invite you to put a face to the names and get to know the caring professionals who serve our community each day.
Farewell and thank you
Over the last two terms, we have said farewell to two valued members of the Kennedy community. Their contributions, dedication and impact have left a lasting mark on our College, and we invite you to read more as we celebrate their time at Kennedy and thank them for all they have given to our students and community.
Eldyth Anderson
After decades of dedicated service, Kennedy’s longest-serving staff member, Eldyth Anderson, is preparing to retire.
From the early days of Winthrop Baptist College to the vibrant Kennedy community we know today, Eldyth has played an important role in supporting generations of students through her work in Food Technologies and the Textile Centre. Her commitment, care and quiet dedication have left a lasting impact on our College
Golda Newland
For 23 years, Golda has been a trusted source of support and encouragement for Kennedy students and families. Her passion for helping people feel understood led her to counselling and a career dedicated to walking alongside young people and their families. As Golda transitions to private practice, we thank her for her lasting contribution to the Kennedy community and wish her every blessing for the future.
Employer of Choice
As a leading co-educational Christian school, Kennedy Baptist College strives to provide a supportive and caring environment for our staff, with great importance on well-being and professional learning and development.
A number of roles are available to apply for as we prepare for the future, including both teaching and non-teaching work.
Alumni News
Kennedy Baptist College has emerged over the last ten years as a prominent Secondary College in Perth's south. As well as Kennedy Alumni, we are excited to welcome the Alumni of our two forerunner schools, Winthrop Baptist College and Somerville Baptist College, into our Alumni family. Join us now as we expand our Alumni network and rediscover our shared history.
Please use the link below to update your email and contact number for future updates or reunions. Following a recent LinkedIn update, you can also show prospective employers your bond to our proud College, whether you were one of Winthrop's first students in 1994 or a recent graduate of Kennedy.
Would you like to reconnect with your cohort next year?
2027 will mark a milestone for many of our Alumni, from Winthrop graduates of 1997 to the Kennedy graduates of 2021.
If you are interested in coordinating a reunion event for your fellow Alumni, please email alumni@kennedy.wa.eu.au.
Update your LinkedIn with us.
As esteemed Winthrop, Somerville and Kennedy Baptist College graduates, we encourage you to update your LinkedIn profile to reflect all the institutions that have shaped your academic journey.
Here's how to do it:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile.
- Click on the "Add profile section" button.
- Select "Education" from the dropdown menu.
- Fill in the details.
- Click "Save" to update your profile.
Stay Connected: Update Your Story with Us
As time moves forward, our connections become more valuable than ever. Your journey after leaving the College is an integral part of our story, and we'd love to hear how you're making your mark on the world. Whether it's a career milestone, a personal triumph or simply a shared memory, your experience enriches our community.
Let's stay connected. Reach out to share your stories, reconnect with old friends and discover new opportunities. Together, we continue to write the chapters of our shared history.
Future Enrolment Information
Register your Child
We are currently accepting registrations for Year 7, 2030 and beyond.
Upcoming College Tour
If you have missed previous College Tours, you are welcome to come along to an upcoming Tour. Booking essential.
Update your enrolment
Please contact Enrolments if your details have changed, so we can ensure you receive important communications.
Parent information session for Year 7, 2029
Registered families with children currently in Year 5 will receive an invitation in January for their Parent Information Evening on Tuesday, 16 February 2027.
Please confirm that your details are up to date with Kennedy Baptist College and keep an eye out for the email.
Transitioning to Kennedy next year?
We understand that moving from primary to secondary school is a big change. We are committed to helping your child transition smoothly and feel welcome at Kennedy. The information on this page will help you navigate this journey. Please also watch for emails from the enrolments team with information about Orientation Day and Pre-Start Day.
Keep Up To Date
Discover more about what is happening at Kennedy by subscribing to our fortnightly newsletter or following along on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
We value your input and would love to hear your thoughts on how we can improve future Semester Newsletters or what content you would like to see featured. Please feel free to share your feedback with us!
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge today’s First Nations people, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation as the custodians of this land and, as we continue to learn to live together on these ancient lands, we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We pray that God will unite us all in a knowledge of His Son, in whom all things were created, in heaven and on earth, whether visible or invisible – for all things have been created through Him and for Him.
